Reagan Renews Drive for More Aid to Contras

President Reagan, expecting stiff opposition from House Democrats, renewed his campaign Tuesday to win congressional and public support for military aid for rebels opposing the Marxist-led government in Nicaragua.

In a White House meeting with Republican congressional leaders, Reagan asserted that the resistance movement “has continued to grow and is operating deep inside Nicaragua.” But he said the rebels, known as contras, need more money if they are to prevail against an increasingly sophisticated military effort mounted by Cuba and the Soviet Union.

“You can’t fight attack helicopters piloted by Cubans with Band-Aids and mosquito nets,” Reagan said, calling on his GOP allies to provide more money and to “lift the restrictions which now tie our hands.”

Reagan told the Republican leaders that he will seek $70 million in unrestricted aid, which could be funneled undercover into arms and ammunition, as well as $30 million in humanitarian aid.

But most House Democrats see covert military aid as “a direct slap in the face to our friends” in the Western Hemisphere and will resist Reagan’s effort, said Rep. Michael D. Barnes (D-Md.).

Stepping Up Rhetoric

The session was the first of several that Reagan has scheduled as he attempts to build support for his new aid package by stepping up his rhetoric. Weeks ago, congressional leaders warned White House officials that unless Reagan campaigns hard, aid for the contras has no chance.

On Thursday, Reagan travels to the Caribbean island of Grenada, where he will highlight his commitment to back the forces of democracy against Communist domination. In October, 1983, Reagan ordered American troops to lead an invasion of the tiny island to oust a hard-line Marxist clique that had overthrown a more moderate government.

In addition, Reagan next Wednesday will make what the White House is billing as “a major defense address” on prime-time television from the Oval Office. He is expected to use the high-visibility forum to make a pitch for his contra aid package, along with an overall appeal to maintain defense spending at its current high level despite budgetary pressures for cutbacks.

Emerging from the meeting Tuesday, Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Richard G. Lugar (R-Ind.) said that the President had made “a good case” for the aid package and that he expects it to pass the Republican-dominated foreign relations panel.

“We have to make a decision whether we’re going to have a Soviet base on this continent,” said Lugar, echoing a favorite Administration argument.

Amends His Answer

Asked if the Administration’s aim is to overthrow the Sandinista government in Managua, White House spokesman Larry Speakes said: “Yes, to be absolutely frank.” But he amended his answer by adding that an overthrow would not be necessary if the Sandinistas returned to the democratic principles they originally espoused.

“Our objective is to stop a Communist foothold on the mainland of the Americas,” Speakes said. “We clearly have an opportunity for a repetition of a new Cuba in the Western Hemisphere.”

Also Tuesday, Administration officials announced that the battleship Iowa and the guided missile frigate John L. Hall are on their way to deployment off Central America. They described the ship movements as routine. A similar exercise was conducted last year.

Reagan renewed his campaign for contra aid amid reports that the rebels are in desperate shape and dwindling in numbers, with as many as two-thirds deserting to neighboring Honduras. Asked to cite the biggest problem facing the rebels, Speakes replied: “Lack of funds, period.”

Reagan is expected to send his new aid request to Capitol Hill in a few weeks. The current $27-million package of humanitarian aid expires March 31.

Lugar told reporters that the push for military aid does not mean that Reagan has given up on a negotiated settlement to the Nicaraguan conflict. Rather, he said, the President thinks that an infusion of money could provide the leverage necessary to force the Sandinistas to the bargaining table.

The sense of urgency surrounding Reagan’s aid request is prompted in part by evidence that the Soviets and Cubans have increased their arms shipments to Nicaragua in recent months. Speakes said there was “a massive influx” of weapons throughout 1985, with an additional increase last month.

In another contribution to what will undoubtedly be an emotional debate, the National Conservative Political Action Committee is announcing today a $1.5-million campaign against “the Ortega 33,” House members who voted against aid to the contras and are therefore viewed as sympathetic to the Sandinistas, led by President Daniel Ortega.

Times staff writers Sara Fritz and James Gerstenzang contributed to this story.